In 1977, I moved from western Massachusetts to West Texas. I felt as though I needed to leave academia, leave "Mecca" ( the 5 college area of the Berkshires), and figure out how to "make it on my own" without the cushion of family and friends. I needed to grow up. It was as though I had moved to a foreign country. I cried every night for a month but something wonderful happened. I began to notice a different kind of beauty than I knew in New England. I saw a sky that stretched from horizon to horizon, tiny straw flowers blooming in parched earth, the Milky Way so close as though I could touch it, horned toads doing push ups in the sun. I learned to look and listen and be amazed at the everyday sacred.
Thank you for your words. I see your words and those of your sub stack sisters as soul work for today!
I always enjoy reading. Thank you for this tender reminder: “I’m of an age where the inevitable denouement is at the end of that tunnel there, and thus it becomes more important every day to find a little bit of enchantment and store it for future reference.”
I had to look up the word distrait, as I had never seen it before (except perhaps from you once before when I skipped over it.) Such an interesting observation about the book! I haven't read Enchantment, although I appreciate the premise. I wholeheartedly agree with your description of enchantment, and finding it where ever we are. I do remember a period of intense depression when it was really, really hard to find those moments. But I clung to the seeking out of some kind of beauty and joy every day as a marker that I hadn't yet lost it completely. Your posts always remind me of that and to centre myself and stop pinging around. thanks for that deep breath and moment of quiet contemplation.
Such a thoughtful and thought-provoking post, Prue - thank you.
I had no idea that in Australia voting is compulsory - that's brilliant! Voter apathy is such a thing over here - it's so frustrating. In our household we choose to vote by post so that we don't risk missing the opportunity if we're away at short notice and can't make it to the polling station at which we're registered to vote.
Fantastic words and pictures, as always. The felt Easter egg is adorable, and your agapanthus are spectacular! Have a fabulous weekend. 😘
I always feel as though there is hope in the world after reading one of your posts, Prue. I know what you mean about reading unsettling things last things at night as well - I embarked on a new-to-me series of essays I'd been waiting for (Judith Thurman) and the first one was so shockingly graphic that I too had to let it drop by the bedside! I may have to return to Rupert the Bear - and cookbooks -which are guaranteed not to encourage insomnia. Those upright, delicate flowers are so beautiful incidentally, what are they? They look like Allium family maybe? Such lush exotic things you have there. Also, randomly - and, perhaps this is shameful to admit, but my favourite go-to shoes are Tasmania's Blundstones. Not for weddings you understand, but when you have the post-pregnancy feet of a camel, as I do, they are the very BEST for everyday. Thank you for this post, Prue xo
So much to be enchanted by in this world. As another rural resident, I too found the Lockdown to be a relief. Wandering around my little village walking my neighbour’s dog each afternoon was such a joy.
Thank you for the wonderful photos and that lovely little piece of music to wrap things up. Enjoy your busy weekend. Hugs dear Prue.
That Easter Egg! My goodness, so delicate and beautiful! I continue to admire your felt hearts as well and hope, someday, to have time to dedicate to a similar project.
This, though, is the meat of the matter: "Chuffed that we voted early (voting is compulsory in Australia) but not looking forward to the election results on Saturday evening because the Tasmanian electorate is constrained to the point of constipation. I say to the whingers, ‘You want things to change? Then vote the conservatives out. Have some courage and vision, people!’
Crossing things for you, and please please do the same come November for us!
"Have some courage and vision people!" I'd like to lob that placard at the Conservatives here in America. Their vision is confined to looking in the rearview mirror and living in the past.
And enchantment is something we need more of. We're surrounded by so much; from the tiniest things (cobwebs) to the largest (the sky overhead) if we'd only take time to notice. Yes, this kind of displacement is good!
Good morning Prue, I enjoyed reading your words this morning. Thank you so much for the beautiful photos, your gorgeous creations, and music. xx
In 1977, I moved from western Massachusetts to West Texas. I felt as though I needed to leave academia, leave "Mecca" ( the 5 college area of the Berkshires), and figure out how to "make it on my own" without the cushion of family and friends. I needed to grow up. It was as though I had moved to a foreign country. I cried every night for a month but something wonderful happened. I began to notice a different kind of beauty than I knew in New England. I saw a sky that stretched from horizon to horizon, tiny straw flowers blooming in parched earth, the Milky Way so close as though I could touch it, horned toads doing push ups in the sun. I learned to look and listen and be amazed at the everyday sacred.
Thank you for your words. I see your words and those of your sub stack sisters as soul work for today!
Beautifully painted descriptions. Enjoy the busy weekend.
Love reading your knots in the string. I also struggled to write during lock down. Especially at the beginning. But back onto it now.
I always enjoy reading. Thank you for this tender reminder: “I’m of an age where the inevitable denouement is at the end of that tunnel there, and thus it becomes more important every day to find a little bit of enchantment and store it for future reference.”
Took my breath away. So true.
I had to look up the word distrait, as I had never seen it before (except perhaps from you once before when I skipped over it.) Such an interesting observation about the book! I haven't read Enchantment, although I appreciate the premise. I wholeheartedly agree with your description of enchantment, and finding it where ever we are. I do remember a period of intense depression when it was really, really hard to find those moments. But I clung to the seeking out of some kind of beauty and joy every day as a marker that I hadn't yet lost it completely. Your posts always remind me of that and to centre myself and stop pinging around. thanks for that deep breath and moment of quiet contemplation.
Hi Prue, I think that's the challenge - finding enchantment wherever you. Nature seems to provide so many of them - if we take the time to notice.
Such a thoughtful and thought-provoking post, Prue - thank you.
I had no idea that in Australia voting is compulsory - that's brilliant! Voter apathy is such a thing over here - it's so frustrating. In our household we choose to vote by post so that we don't risk missing the opportunity if we're away at short notice and can't make it to the polling station at which we're registered to vote.
Fantastic words and pictures, as always. The felt Easter egg is adorable, and your agapanthus are spectacular! Have a fabulous weekend. 😘
I always feel as though there is hope in the world after reading one of your posts, Prue. I know what you mean about reading unsettling things last things at night as well - I embarked on a new-to-me series of essays I'd been waiting for (Judith Thurman) and the first one was so shockingly graphic that I too had to let it drop by the bedside! I may have to return to Rupert the Bear - and cookbooks -which are guaranteed not to encourage insomnia. Those upright, delicate flowers are so beautiful incidentally, what are they? They look like Allium family maybe? Such lush exotic things you have there. Also, randomly - and, perhaps this is shameful to admit, but my favourite go-to shoes are Tasmania's Blundstones. Not for weddings you understand, but when you have the post-pregnancy feet of a camel, as I do, they are the very BEST for everyday. Thank you for this post, Prue xo
So much to be enchanted by in this world. As another rural resident, I too found the Lockdown to be a relief. Wandering around my little village walking my neighbour’s dog each afternoon was such a joy.
Thank you for the wonderful photos and that lovely little piece of music to wrap things up. Enjoy your busy weekend. Hugs dear Prue.
That Easter Egg! My goodness, so delicate and beautiful! I continue to admire your felt hearts as well and hope, someday, to have time to dedicate to a similar project.
This, though, is the meat of the matter: "Chuffed that we voted early (voting is compulsory in Australia) but not looking forward to the election results on Saturday evening because the Tasmanian electorate is constrained to the point of constipation. I say to the whingers, ‘You want things to change? Then vote the conservatives out. Have some courage and vision, people!’
Crossing things for you, and please please do the same come November for us!
"Have some courage and vision people!" I'd like to lob that placard at the Conservatives here in America. Their vision is confined to looking in the rearview mirror and living in the past.
And enchantment is something we need more of. We're surrounded by so much; from the tiniest things (cobwebs) to the largest (the sky overhead) if we'd only take time to notice. Yes, this kind of displacement is good!
Your words are a true gift, Prue—thank you for sharing how you find enchantment and wonder in the everydayness of life.